It's taken me a lot, but I'm finally willing to admit that I do have a problem with gambling. For background, I'm 20 and have been gambling since my 18th birthday, where I worked an office job. I'd put small bets on back then and I made a profit from it, but since I've gotten a job where I work from home things have spiralled out of control.
From boredom and loneliness I've started to gamble more and more, not doing it for fun, simply to try and recover the losses. Whenever I start to lose I panic, and then the cycle begins. This month I hit my lowest, using most of my wages within two days of getting paid. Thankfully, I'm not in debt and I live at home where I pay rent, so none of that is an issue. I just feel a lot of guilt, as I know another month will pass where I'm couped up at home, unable to do anything I enjoy thanks to this horrendous habit. My step-dad has dealt with a very bad case of problem gambling with another family member, so for him it's a touchy subject. My Mum is very supportive, and I probably don't deserve the amount of support she does give me.
So here it is, approaching midnight and from the 2nd of December onwards I'm going to make a better me. I'm lining up therapy (I suffer badly from anxiety) and have closed all my betting accounts. I refuse to let this beat me, no matter how much it's ruined things thus far. I know this probably sounds like a small case compared to some, but this really has ruined my life of late and I can't let it go on.
Owen
Day 1 -
Suffering from a lot of anxiety and guilt about things but still feeling positive about the future. As a massive horse racing fan, it was nice to just watch the racing for once without feeling the need to gamble, just like I used to.
Hello Owen
Im on day 3 so still very very early days for me. I was doing the same at 20 wasting my full wages im now 32 and im thousands in debt so well done to you getting help before things get worse.
Hope day 2 is better for you.
Heva
Hi ImLostt,
Thanks so much for your post, and well done for sharing your story with us.
Admitting to your gambling problem is one step towards overcoming it, and it’s good you’re having support from your mum too. It helps to ease the pressure when you have someone who understands and willing to listen and support as well.
Just to make you aware, gambling problem gets worse if you don’t do anything about it, and it can easily get out of control. Thus I’m glad you’re ready to do what it takes to overcome your problematic gambling. I think it would be helpful to you to follow some form of strategies to enable you to overcome your gambling problem, and Gamcare is ready to help you every step of the way if you’d stay in touch with us and adhere to our strategies.
At age 20, you’re young, and hopefully have many years ahead of you where you can lead a gamble free life. It would therefore be advisable to let go of all your losses, and focus on your recovery, and to look forward to a gamble free future. It’s doable, and you can do it, ImLostt.
I’ll advise you to try and contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers and find out about other help options that you can access to. Our lines are open everyday from 8.00am to midnight.
You have the power within you to effect these positive changes to your life, so try and go for it.
Best wishes,
Beatrice
Thanks for sharing! You said above that’s your problems aren’t as bad as others. I would argue that mine and others wouldn’t have as much of a problem if we were as brave as you at your age! To accept that we have a problem so we’ll done! By taking these steps you hopefully won’t end up as so many of us did! One month cooked up is better than 1000s of pounds of debt.... what have gambling given you thus far? I’m guessing absolutely nothing. Is there things you can do for the next month that doesn’t require money? Or a to get list of things you want to buy when you get paid? Again well done on identifying it so early and keep strong on your journey
Heva162 wrote: Hello Owen Im on day 3 so still very very early days for me. I was doing the same at 20 wasting my full wages im now 32 and im thousands in debt so well done to you getting help before things get worse. Hope day 2 is better for you. Heva
Thanks for the kind words Heva, I'm hoping by putting a stop to it now that a more positive life awaits. I hope things get easier for you:)
Owen
Dogg1414 wrote:
Thanks for sharing! You said above that’s your problems aren’t as bad as others. I would argue that mine and others wouldn’t have as much of a problem if we were as brave as you at your age! To accept that we have a problem so we’ll done! By taking these steps you hopefully won’t end up as so many of us did! One month cooked up is better than 1000s of pounds of debt.... what have gambling given you thus far? I’m guessing absolutely nothing. Is there things you can do for the next month that doesn’t require money? Or a to get list of things you want to buy when you get paid? Again well done on identifying it so early and keep strong on your journey
I really appreciate the kind words, thank you very much! It wasn't easy as I used to be very responsible with it and it was my pride stopping me from putting a stop to things. It's given me nothing at all, I used to gamble just horse racing as a hobby as I love the sport, but as things got worse I moved onto online casino and that is where things spiralled. My close friends have all been very supportive and have kept checking in with me, so I'm very grateful for that and it's helping things massively. It's early days, but I'm feeling very positive! I hope you are doing well and once again, thanks for the kind words!
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
